Abstract
Background: Tick infestation in the ear canal may have variable clinical presentations such as otalgia, giddiness, tinnitus and facial nerve palsy. Facial paralysis is a rarely reported localised neurological complication of an intra-aural tick infestation which is due to the neurotoxin produced by the toxin secreted in thick saliva. Facial nerve function can be restored after removal the tick. Two approaches for tick removal have been described; either by application of a noxious stimulus to induce the tick to withdraw spontaneously or by mechanical removal. Case presentation: We present here a case of facial nerve paralysis in a 4-year-old girl due to intra aural tick infestation. The patient presented with left otalgia and left sided facial asymmetry. The pathophysiology of localised paralysis is discussed, together with the management of patient with a tick infestation in the ear canal. Conclusion: Detailed history and physical examination are needed in diagnosing tick paralysis. Patient that coming from rural areas with sudden acute ear pain and facial palsy, the ear canal should be examined carefully to exclude the possibility of parasitisation by ticks. Quick and proper management can prevent fatal systemic complication such as respiratory distress due to respiratory muscle paralysis.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 371-373 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | International Medical Journal |
| Volume | 25 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |
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Keywords
- External ear canal
- Facial nerve palsy
- Management
- Tick infestation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)
Cite this
Facial nerve palsy secondary to tick infestation in the ear canal : How did we manage the patient. / Zainol, Sarniza; Husain, Salina.
In: International Medical Journal, Vol. 25, No. 6, 01.12.2018, p. 371-373.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Facial nerve palsy secondary to tick infestation in the ear canal
T2 - How did we manage the patient
AU - Zainol, Sarniza
AU - Husain, Salina
PY - 2018/12/1
Y1 - 2018/12/1
N2 - Background: Tick infestation in the ear canal may have variable clinical presentations such as otalgia, giddiness, tinnitus and facial nerve palsy. Facial paralysis is a rarely reported localised neurological complication of an intra-aural tick infestation which is due to the neurotoxin produced by the toxin secreted in thick saliva. Facial nerve function can be restored after removal the tick. Two approaches for tick removal have been described; either by application of a noxious stimulus to induce the tick to withdraw spontaneously or by mechanical removal. Case presentation: We present here a case of facial nerve paralysis in a 4-year-old girl due to intra aural tick infestation. The patient presented with left otalgia and left sided facial asymmetry. The pathophysiology of localised paralysis is discussed, together with the management of patient with a tick infestation in the ear canal. Conclusion: Detailed history and physical examination are needed in diagnosing tick paralysis. Patient that coming from rural areas with sudden acute ear pain and facial palsy, the ear canal should be examined carefully to exclude the possibility of parasitisation by ticks. Quick and proper management can prevent fatal systemic complication such as respiratory distress due to respiratory muscle paralysis.
AB - Background: Tick infestation in the ear canal may have variable clinical presentations such as otalgia, giddiness, tinnitus and facial nerve palsy. Facial paralysis is a rarely reported localised neurological complication of an intra-aural tick infestation which is due to the neurotoxin produced by the toxin secreted in thick saliva. Facial nerve function can be restored after removal the tick. Two approaches for tick removal have been described; either by application of a noxious stimulus to induce the tick to withdraw spontaneously or by mechanical removal. Case presentation: We present here a case of facial nerve paralysis in a 4-year-old girl due to intra aural tick infestation. The patient presented with left otalgia and left sided facial asymmetry. The pathophysiology of localised paralysis is discussed, together with the management of patient with a tick infestation in the ear canal. Conclusion: Detailed history and physical examination are needed in diagnosing tick paralysis. Patient that coming from rural areas with sudden acute ear pain and facial palsy, the ear canal should be examined carefully to exclude the possibility of parasitisation by ticks. Quick and proper management can prevent fatal systemic complication such as respiratory distress due to respiratory muscle paralysis.
KW - External ear canal
KW - Facial nerve palsy
KW - Management
KW - Tick infestation
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85056580469&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=85056580469&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
VL - 25
SP - 371
EP - 373
JO - International Medical Journal
JF - International Medical Journal
SN - 1341-2051
IS - 6
ER -